New Home the Over-50 Way
We may be getting more mature, but our homes can still sparkle with creative personality.
There's an article coming up on Aging/grandparenting on Suite101.com about decorating your home when you downsize. What a pleasure it is (and I know, because I've done it) to feather a new nest just for you or for you and your mate. I moved from a 3200 square-foot home with a finished basement and three-car garage, to an 1800 square-foot home with a two car garage and some wonderful outdoor living space.
My task was to rescale my thinking, eliminate personal possessions, and learn a lot about organizing. After three years in our new home, my husband and I have a lovely nest that's just ours. When the kids come, they are welcome and feel comfortable, but the space is ours.
Holy smoke, did I make mistakes along the way! But with a little research, you can avoid the pitfalls and benefit from other people's experiences.
Here are my top ten tips for keeping your sanity when you're moving 20 or 30 years worth of stuff to a small home:
1. Sort the things you don't need or want. Donate, give to your family members, garage sale, and trash.
2. Be serious about paring down. If you haven't used/worn the item in 6 months - get it out of your life.
3. Rent a dumpster after all your garage sales, give-aways and donating have been done. It's the least costly and most efficient way to pitch the leftovers.
4. Hire professional movers - damages to your possessions are covered. The work goes quickly and efficiently, and movers never want to stay and party when you're exhausted.
5. Shop carefully for a home, be very picky, make sure you get what you have always wanted. Hire an inspector.
6. Ask local residents (in your new prospective neighborhood) what are the three things they like best and least about the area.
7. Talk a lot to your partner, spouse, or mate about all the important decisions. If you're looking for the dream place that you will live in forever, you have to be in balance, don't you?
8. Furnish your new home with new furniture if at all possible.
Your very favorite pieces might just look awful in a new house.
9. Repeat step 2.
10.Join in activities in your new community. Join a club, volunteer, sign up at the local live theater as a stage hand, but do something to get you out and meeting people.
Web sites you might like
Home and Garden TV a terrific place for decorating ideas.
